Star Trek Beyond sequel won't recast Anton Yelchin role, confirms JJ Abrams

The 27-year-old actor was killed in a freak accident last month

Star Trek Beyond is almost upon us and, while reported to be a "likeable" third outing for the franchise, it will also touchingly provide a posthumous performance from Anton Yelchin who tragically died last month.

With a fourth film recently confirmed by producer JJ Abrams, the series' former director has now confirmed that Yelchin's role of Pavel Chekov won't be recast for the new film.

Speaking to the Toronto Sun, Abrams said: “I would say there’s no replacing him. There’s no recasting. I can’t possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better.”

Abrams, who also directed Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, refused to disclose whether the character would be killed off in the future instalment.

“I have thought about it, we’re working on it, and it’s too early to talk about it," he stated.

Yelchin was killed in a freak accident at the age of 27.

It was confirmed earlier this week that the third sequel would see Chris Hemsworth reprise his role of Captain James T. Kirk's father, George, last seen in original 2009 film Star Trek.

Star Trek Beyond's writers Doug Jung and Simon Pegg will not be on scriptwriting duties although the latter is expected to return as character Scotty.

It is not known whether Justin Lin, who replaced Abrams as director for the new film - released 22 July - will return for the next film.